Feeling blue and can’t find the reason? Do you live here part-time and can’t own a dog or cat but would like to have contact with them. Then volunteering at a local shelter might just be the job for you. 

According to HAMBRI (The Human Animal Research Board) 

there is growing evidence that companion animals have a positive influence on many important physiological, psychological, and relational benefits, including quality of life and well-being. For the elderly, companion animals enhance the quality of life, bringing value, meaning, and worth. Pets promote relaxation, help seniors adhere to a daily schedule, and enhance their mobility and well-being. Pet ownership is associated with improved quality of life through social support, reduced depression, and other psychosocial predictors of health. 

Volunteering at Pet Allies is not only good for the animals, it is good for you. What is needed are folks to work in the clinic stimulating animals who are waking from surgery. Clinic hours are TBD due to our search for a part-time Veterinarian (or something like that since we don’t have a regular doctor). 

Can you foster? Perhaps if you are here for the summer, you can open your home to a dog or cat who would deeply appreciate being out of the shelter, while you help them learn to fit into a family routine.

Dogs need walking and socializing as well as cats. With just a few hours a week, you can make the day of an animal who otherwise only sees the inside of a cage. 

Last year, 120 cats came in August from a hoarding situation. Many of those cats had never known the love and affection of human touch and many were quite ill, some even blind due to a condition called microphthalmia, which happens when a cat’s eyes don’t fully develop in utero. It’s truly magical when you feel an animal respond to you, giving a purr and a rub when before there was only fear. Your time is nothing short of magic, making that animal more adoptable by giving it a second chance. 

Volunteering is the perfect solution if you are only here for the summer and you cannot make the commitment to owning an animal, you reap the benefits as well as them. The dogs that get out on leash reap the benefit of the exercise (as do you) as well as the training and fellowship that you can provide. 

If hanging with the critters is not your thing, but you would still like to help, they always need folks to answer phones, organize things, or just be another set of hands. Perhaps you would like to help with fundraising or event setup, help is needed there too. 

Last month I wrote a story about a distinguished alum named Toby who had been adopted from Pet Allies in Show Low. On June 18th he will be drawing the winning duck at their White Mountain Rubber Duck Pluck. The ‘Pluck’ is a family-friendly event that will be held at the Pet Allies Animal Shelter located at 1321 N. 16th Street, Show Low AZ. Every dollar goes right back to the shelter to help with the feeding and care of the animals they house. 

You can "adopt" a Rubber Duck (raffle entry) for just $5 and a chance to win up to $2,500. Your odds are great with only 7,000 rubber ducks being sold, so get in on the action and you could be one “Lucky Ducky”! The 2nd place winner could be you for just a $5, could win $1000. The third-place winner is $500. 

The festivities will begin at 12 noon until 1:30 when we will pluck the ducks. Ducks are on sale now www.PetAlliesAZ.org/duck, or stop by the shelter. There will be a limited amount of ducks available on the day of the event, so buy yours today! The Duck Pluck is Pet Allies' biggest fundraiser of the year, so come on out and spend the afternoon supporting a great cause. Dogs and cats will be available for adoption, so if you have been considering adding a furry member to your family, Pet Allies can assist you. Entertainment will be provided by Cruise One’s own Suzanne Clausen, better known as Liza Minnelli, She was a hit last year emceeing, so don’t miss it! 

Food to be provided free of charge by this year’s Duck Pluck fundraiser extraordinaire Anne Blankenship. They will have raffle items galore, along with many gi baskets for the local restaurants and community businesses. So join them in June for a family day in the sun while helping homeless animals. 

If you would like to help in other ways, there is a raffle for 40 acres of land to help defray the costs of medical expenses and care for the 120 ‘Timberline cats’. Tickets are $20 each. The winning ticket will be drawn on the day when the last cat is adopted. As of right now, there are thirteen cats left so get your ticket online today. You can also sign up for their monthly giving program or sponsor a kennel. 



So come on out on June 18th! volunteer, adopt a duck, or fall in love with your next four-legged family member!